Verdict
At RM140,418, the Mazda BT-50 costs RM10,518 more than the RM129,900 MG HS, and its RM1,638 annual road tax is far above the HS’s RM120. The extra money brings a 188 hp, 450 Nm 3.0-litre diesel, all-wheel drive and a 3,125 mm wheelbase, against the MG’s 160 hp, 250 Nm 1.5-litre petrol, front-wheel drive and 2,720 mm wheelbase. Choose the BT-50 for its pickup format and lower-rpm torque; the HS makes more sense for SUV luggage space, with 463 litres and a 60:40 split rear seat.
Pick the Mazda BT-50 if you need a pickup with 450 Nm from 1,600 rpm, all-wheel drive and stronger active-safety equipment.
Pick the MG HS if you want the lower purchase price, RM120 road tax, a 463-litre boot and a panoramic glass roof.
Key differences
- Price: Mazda BT-50 RM140,418; MG HS RM129,900.
- Road tax per year: Mazda BT-50 RM1,638; MG HS RM120.
- Output: Mazda BT-50 188 hp and 450 Nm; MG HS 160 hp and 250 Nm.
- Driveline: Mazda BT-50 all-wheel drive; MG HS front-wheel drive.
- Size: Mazda BT-50 is 5,280 mm long with a 3,125 mm wheelbase; MG HS is 4,574 mm long with a 2,720 mm wheelbase.
- Safety: Mazda BT-50 has seven airbags and Smart City Brake Support; MG HS has six airbags and no autonomous braking system.
BT-50
- 450 Nm diesel torque arrives at 1,600 rpm
- All-wheel drive and 18-inch alloy wheels
- Adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and Smart City Brake Support
- RM10,518 more expensive and RM1,518 costlier in annual road tax
- No panoramic glass roof or navigation, both fitted to the MG HS
- No stated boot volume, while the MG HS has a 463-litre boot
HS
- RM10,518 lower purchase price and RM120 annual road tax
- 463-litre boot with 60:40 split-folding rear seats
- Panoramic glass roof, navigation and a 10.25-inch touchscreen
- 250 Nm at 4,400 rpm trails the BT-50’s 450 Nm at 1,600 rpm
- Front-wheel drive instead of the BT-50’s all-wheel drive
- No blind-spot monitoring, collision warning or autonomous braking system
What the BT-50 has over the HS
What the HS has over the BT-50
Based on the published spec sheets of the selected variants — a blank field on one side can also mean unlisted data.
The BT-50's wheelbase is 405 mm longer, which usually translates to more rear legroom.
Representative body-type outlines, drawn to scale from each car's length and height.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM140,418 | RM129,900✓ |
| Body type | Pickup | SUV |
| Segment | Truck/4X4 | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM1,638 | RM120✓ |
| Monthly instalment (est.) | RM1,435/mo | RM1,325/mo✓ |
| Insurance / year (est.) | RM3,997 | RM3,657✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC with Variable Geometry Turbocharger and Common-Rail Direct Injection | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 2,999 cc | 1,490 cc |
| Horsepower | 188 hp at 3,600 rpm✓ | 160 hp at 5,600 rpm |
| Torque | 450 Nm at 1,600 rpm✓ | 250 Nm at 4,400 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Diesel | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | 95.4 mm × 104.9 mm | 74 mm × 86.6 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 16.3 | 11.5 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Dual-clutch Automatic (Dry) |
| Transmission Name | 6AT | 7-speed, Twin-clutch Transmission |
| Gears | 6 | 7 |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| Top Speed | 180 km/h | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,280 mm | 4,574 mm |
| Width | 1,870 mm | 1,876 mm |
| Height | 1,810 mm | 1,664 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,125 mm | 2,720 mm |
| Weight | 2,015 kg | — |
| Fuel Tank | 76 litres | 55 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | — | 463 litres |
| Front Tyre | 265/60R18 | 215/60R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 265/60R18 | 215/60R17 |
| Spare Tyre | Full-size Alloy | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Dunlop AT25 Grandtrek | Maxxis Bravo HPM5 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Thailand (CBU) | Thailand (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Leaf Springs | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 18" Alloys | 17" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Alloys | 17" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Hydraulic Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 7 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Driver's Knee) | 6 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual For Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | — |
| ISOFIX | Available for two outer rear passenger seats | Available On Outer Two Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Warning Only | No |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Bi-LED Projector with Auto High Beam | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Driver's Seat, Manual Adjustable Front Passenger Seat | Powered Driver Seat, Manual Front Passenger Seat |
| Rear Seats | Folding Bench with Tip-up Under-seat Storage | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Rear AC vents |
| Sunroof | — | Panoramic Glass Roof |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB Front, 1 USB Rear | 1 Front, 4 USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | — | Sunroof Shade |
| Audio | 9" Infotainment Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 8 Speakers | 10.25" Touchscreen with Wired Apple CarPlay & Android Auto |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Manual Operation | Manual Operation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Digital/Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Handbrake | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | — | 7 Years/Unlimited Mileage Warranty on Powertrain |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration. Running-cost estimates assume 20,000 km/year. Fuel at RM1.99/litre (RON95, subsidised). Insurance: comprehensive motor tariff, no NCD. Instalment: 10% down, 2.5% flat rate, 9 years. Prices checked October 2026.
Used BT-50 & HS for sale
Our reviews & guides
Mazda BT-50
BT-50 vs HS FAQ
Is the Mazda BT-50 or MG HS better?
The BT-50 is the better choice for a pickup body, all-wheel drive and 450 Nm diesel torque. The MG HS is better for lower annual road tax, a 463-litre boot and SUV-focused equipment such as its panoramic glass roof.
What is the price difference?
The MG HS is RM10,518 cheaper, at RM129,900 versus RM140,418 for the Mazda BT-50.
Which costs less to tax each year?
The MG HS costs RM120 per year in road tax, while the Mazda BT-50 costs RM1,638. The MG therefore saves RM1,518 annually on road tax alone.